Alamo: “We are resolved to die under the walls rather than surrender.”

Lot of 22 issues from the Newark (NJ) Daily Advertiser, February-June 1836, covering events before and after the siege and fall of the ALAMO. January-June 1836. “Prospects of War in Texas” (2/27) senses what is already underway at the Alamo, “Preparations on both sides indicate a severe struggle to come between the Mexicans and their colonists...” Santa Anna at San Louis faces “a gathering storm” in Texas and fears “of another revolution breaking out.” 3/10 edition reports of “An Adoption of a Flag by the Texians” with, “a flag with a single star and the stripes and the word Independence” was run up at Camp Faunin, Rio Brazos, Jan. 27. Subsequent issues follow “Santa Anna’s army, 8000 men...on the road to Goliad at last advices...” and “Texian force at 7,000 anticipates the overthrow of the Mexican authority...” 4/14 report that “Col. Fannin with 500 men at Goliad and that a detachment of 1000 men of Santa Anna’s army has beseiged him there.” 4/16: From a letter of the 1st, it’s reported: “...that another engagement between the Texans and Mexicans had taken place on the San Antonio River which resulted in the Mexicans’ defeat after a loss of 600 killed and wounded. The Texans were under the command of Gen. Houston.” 4/18: “A letter from an officer in the Texan army, dated March 9, says, “We have no bread for several days. I am nearly naked, without shoes, and without money; we suffer much; and as soon as Bexar falls, we will be surrounded by 6000 infuriated Mexicans. But we are resolved to die under the walls rather than surrender.” 4/26: Conflicting reports. One says “the gallant Col. Fannin has been butchered with his brave Texians at Fort Goliad.” Another says Fannin still at the fort. Gen. Houston faces 1000 Mexicans and he will challenge them with his 4000 men, “in high spirits, burning to revenge their massacred brethren of the Alamo; his army is hourly increasing.” 4/28: Strong sketch of Santa Anna; and, a wonderful printing of the lyrics of a “Texian War Song.” May 4: Account of the MASSACRE of Col. Fannin and his men. Also, communication to the people of Brasos, signed in type by SAM’L HOUSTON, Commander in chief. 5/11: More on the Fannin episode, from the Mexican point of view and communications between Santa Anna and his commander on the scene. 5/17: Extensive reporting on U.S.-Mexico-Texas situation, with about 36 letters exchanged among the government principals. 5/23: CAPTURE OF SANTA ANNA CONFIRMED. He also heads the list of prisoners. Good report. 6/6: MASSACRE OF COL. FANNIN, transmitted to the public by President David Burnet (signed in type). Grand detail of the encounter and surrender, signed by the Mexican officers and Fannin and Maj. Wallace, plus report of Benj. Holland, the captain of artillery. Also, sketch of the life of Gen. HOUSTON. 6/11: GEN. HOUSTON’S OFFICIAL REPORT of the great Texas Victory.” From San Jacinto, 25th April, 1836. Runs more than a column and signed in type by Houston. Issue has some clippings removed, but not affecting Houston report. These issues have been removed from volume, so separation at spine and some minor tears not affecting content. Great collection.

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image belowHold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).